Full Day Stone Town and Prison Island Tour in Zanzibar – Central hotels and Fumba

️ Full-Day Stone Town & Prison Island Tour – History, Culture & Tortoises

Location: Zanzibar, Tanzania
Duration: Full Day (Approx. 8 hours)
Tour Type: Small Group or Private
Transportation: Hotel pick-up and drop-off included
Departure Points: Central Zanzibar hotels (Stone Town, Fumba, Pongwe, Uroa)

Tour Overview

Uncover the rich cultural and historical legacy of Zanzibar on this full-day tour to Stone Town and Prison Island (Changuu Island). Walk through the winding streets of the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, a melting pot of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences. Then hop on a boat to Prison Island, home to giant Aldabra tortoises, white sand beaches, and a fascinating colonial past.

Perfect for culture seekers, history lovers, and nature enthusiasts, this tour combines heritage exploration with exotic wildlife viewing — all in one unforgettable day.

️ What to Expect

‍♂️ Morning – Stone Town Walking Tour

• Pick-up from your hotel (Central Zanzibar, Fumba, Pongwe, or Uroa).

• Meet your professional guide and begin a guided walking tour through Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historic capital.

• Wander through some of the world’s narrowest streets, passing ornate wooden doors and coral-stone buildings.

• Visit iconic landmarks including:

  • The Old Fort (Arab Fort)

  • House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib)

  • Sultan’s Palace Museum

  • Freddie Mercury’s House

• Learn about the city's slave trade history, religious diversity, and Swahili culture.

• Discover a vibrant blend of mosques, churches, temples, local markets, and colonial architecture.

️ Midday – Optional Local Lunch

• Pause for lunch at a local restaurant (own expense).

• Choose from an à la carte menu offering Swahili, seafood, and international dishes.

️ Afternoon – Prison Island Exploration

• Board a motorboat from Stone Town and cruise to Prison Island (Changuu Island).

• Learn the island’s layered history:

  • Originally a detention center for rebellious slaves

  • Later used as a quarantine station during the 19th-century cholera outbreak

• Visit the giant tortoise sanctuary, home to Aldabra tortoises (some over 150 years old).

• Relax on the white sandy beach, swim, or snorkel in the clear turquoise waters (optional).

• Enjoy scenic views of Stone Town from the water.

Return Transfer

• Travel back by boat to the mainland.

• Return transfer to your hotel in the late afternoon or early evening.

✅ Inclusions

• ✔️ Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Stone Town, Fumba, Pongwe, Uroa)

• ✔️ Entrance fees to all attractions

• ✔️ Guided walking tour of Stone Town

• ✔️ Boat transfer to/from Prison Island

• ✔️ Visit to the giant tortoise sanctuary

• ✔️ English-speaking professional guide

❌ Exclusions

• ✖️ Meals and drinks (lunch available for $15–$30)

• ✖️ Snorkeling equipment (available for rent on-site)

• ✖️ Personal expenses

• ✖️ Tips and gratuities (optional)

Hotel Pick-Up Zones

• Central Hotels: Tamarind Hotel, Pongwe Beach Hotel, Pongwe Bay, Uroa Bay

• Fumba & Mangapwani Hotels: Fumba Beach Lodge, Sea Cliff Resort & Spa, Hakuna Matata Beach Lodge

Why Travelers Love This Tour

• ️ Visit Zanzibar’s top historical sites in one day

• See giant Aldabra tortoises up close on Prison Island

• Walk through Stone Town’s maze of UNESCO-protected streets

• Enjoy beach time and scenic boat rides

• Ideal mix of culture, history, and nature

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